Sunderland University’s golf programme has secured links with two local facilities with the help of the Durham County Golf Partnership.

Through the work of Golf President, Andrew MacDonald and Sam Edwards along with County Development Officer Jonathon Ward, the programme has secured links with Sunderland Driving Range and Wearside Golf Club.

The link with Wearside includes a number of offers for students – from academy memberships which allow them to use the practice facilities to discounted membership deals. Andrew said: “Wearside have been superb in setting things up and I’m really excited about playing there regularly.”

As part of the link with Sunderland Driving Range, all society members and team players have access to coaching and buy one get one free on range balls. Andrew, a member of the England Golf National Youth Panel, said: “This link has real benefits for the golf programme as every level of golfer can get involved.”

Also on offer at the driving range are two beginner sessions – being run being PGA professional Stephen McNally. These session start on Monday, October 29 from 6-7pm and Wednesday, October 31 from 3-4pm. They run for six consecutive weeks.

Stephen said: “Sunderland Driving Range will be working closely with students in a number of ways. Firstly, all players will have access to the range at a reduced cost. We’ll also be running team coaching session for the BUCS league players. Finally, our beginner sessions will cover the fundamentals and will include work on the short game.

“For people wanting to get involved, it gives them: exercise, a skill and the chance to socialise and travel. It’s important to have those things in your life and golf gives you all of those opportunities.”

“For students who already play, it’s an opportunity to continue their golf development, having; the opportunity to practice, access tuition and play at Wearside is fantastic for any current or potential Sunderland Student.”

Get into golf – the Durham County Golf Partnership stand at Golf North 2012

Durham County Golf Partnership

These links have been facilitated by the Durham County Golf Partnership which is supported by England Golf. County Development Officer, Jonathon Ward said: “These links will benefits both students and the facilities and I look forward to seeing them grow over the coming months.

“The offers we’ve been able to set up not only help students but attract golfers to these facilities who may not have known the area and wanted a place to practice and/or play.

“Currently the university students’ age range is really under represented. We’re doing very well at grass roots level but we tend to lose a lot of people, for different reasons, as they reach their teens and early twenties. We’re currently trying to encourage people of this age to get involved or continue playing as they get older.”

“I think this programme is a great selling point for Sunderland University. Now you don’t have to travel to Birmingham or St Andrews to play university golf.

“For me the BUCS team is a great progression opportunity for elite players. On my side, I will be able to promote Sunderland University to elite players who are looking to go to university locally. It really works well for both sides.”